Hello!
I've been away from this site but am glad to return with a question that I haven't seen after my search of the forum:
Can I spray my 2-inch pansy seedlings (started under lights) with Neem or some other spray to kill the infestattion of aphids that I suddenly have? I've been gently rubbing or washing them off, but this is time-consuming and perhaps too rough for seedlings? But I also worry that Neem or another insecticide would be too harsh.
I have never had aphids before this year in my indoors set-up, but I guess there's always a first time!
Thank you.

(edited for a typo!)

Insecticidal soap seemed pretty gentle to me, but I haven't used it on seedlings before.

Dishwashing soap (dilute) might or might not be gentler than insecticidal soap.

I like to use the finest, hardest spray I can get.

I have never successfully combated an indoor aphid infestation with any product. Not even systemics. Would your weather allow for setting them outside in a protected area after a thorough rinsing off of the existing aphids?

sorry I am not help.. no clue

Thank you for the advice.
I'm amazed also that I have aphids in my sunroom where my lighted shelves are set up--where did they come from? Anyway, I'm going to combine RickCorey's and Woofie's thoughts--giving my seedlings a good spray with water (which usually works with my outside plants when they contract aphids) and then moving them to a more "outside" area which is still somewhat protected from the vagaries of the Cape Cod spring. I'll see if the little green guys disappear, and if not, try a gentle insectidal soap treatment.
I appreciate the help!

Did you bring any plants into your sunroom from outside? Or use soil or pots that weren't sterilized?

I think soapy water spray works better than plain water spray.

And since they hide on the underside of leaves, I can often remove a lot of them just by dragging my hands over leaves and squishing.

Karen

Karen is right about soapy water working better. I just couldn't remember if pansies are sensitive to light and soap. I know there are some plants that react badly to the combination of soap and sunlight. Tomatoes? Of course, you could also wash off the soapy water, too.

You can always get some lady bugs. Their natural!

Hi there,

I probably brought in the aphids on some plant or other that I brought into my sunroom, "closed system" that it is in this season.

Thanks so much for the advice about using soapy water! I found some insecticidal soap spray at the plant nursery and sprayed the seedlings well, underside and top of leaves. I also removed them from their original trays and repotted them in clean pots with new soil. I THINK that the little green blighters are all gone--I don't see any more of them. The pansy- seedlings' leaves also seem to be OK with the spray--no signs of burning or other harm. Except to aphids, mwahahhahhha!

Anyhow, you all were very helpful and I thank you. My pansies thank you as well!

That's great! Just keep a close eye on them! Those little pests are persistent!

That's for sure. They're masters of disguise.

Nice to see you Emily, I haven't seen you for a while.

Karen

Congratulations! Winning a round against pests is a rare pleasure.

I think they lay eggs, or practice spontaneous generation. Mine came back after about a month, but that corner isn't getting much care and attention at the moment. I think we do have to be vigilent.